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Traditional and Complementary Medicine Use Rising Globally, Integrated Approaches Gain Traction
Table of Contents
[CITY, STATE] – A growing body of research indicates increasing utilization of traditional and complementary medicine (TCM) worldwide, alongside evolving strategies to integrate these practices with conventional healthcare systems. Studies from diverse regions,including Nigeria,India,and China,highlight both the prevalence of TCM use and the challenges and opportunities associated with its broader acceptance and effective implementation.
Global Trends in Traditional Medicine Use
The World Health Association estimates that up to 80% of the population in some countries relies on traditional medicine for primary healthcare needs. Recent studies corroborate this, demonstrating meaningful usage rates across various demographics. In southwest Nigeria, a cross-sectional study revealed patterns of hospital utilization alongside traditional medicine practices [41]. Similarly, prevalence studies indicate widespread use of herbal and traditional medicines globally [43].
India’s position and Challenges
India holds a prominent position in the global landscape of herbal medicine. Sen, Chakraborty, and De (2011) explored the challenges and opportunities in advancing herbal medicine within india, emphasizing its role in a global context [42]. These challenges include standardization, quality control, and the need for rigorous scientific validation of traditional remedies.
China’s Integrated Approach
China has been at the forefront of integrating Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) with Western medicine. A 2024 review by Zhou et al. detailed the progress and challenges in this integration from 2002 to 2021, noting advancements in collaborative care models and research [44]. This integration is driven by patient preferences,as evidenced by a discrete choice experiment conducted by Wang et al. (2025), which revealed inpatient preferences among patients with multiple chronic conditions [45]. China’s healthcare reforms over the past decade, as analyzed by Yip et al. (2019), have aimed to achieve Universal Health Coverage, with TCM playing an increasingly critically important role [46]. The Health Poverty Alleviation Project in rural China, investigated by Li, Chen, and Ding (2023), demonstrated positive impacts on healthcare utilization and health status [47].
specific Applications of TCM
TCM therapies are being explored for a wide range of conditions. Xiao and Tao (2017) provided an overview of TCM therapy, highlighting its diverse applications [48]. Specifically, research by Wang et al. (2023) identified dominant cardiovascular diseases treated by TCM, showcasing clinical evidence and distinctive therapeutic characteristics [49].Herbal drugs are also under investigation for thier potential in treating cardiovascular disease, with Li et al. (2015) reviewing traditional medicine and modern development in this area [50].
Pharmacovigilance and Future Directions
As TCM gains wider acceptance, the importance of pharmacovigilance – monitoring the safety of herbal and traditional medicines – becomes paramount. Lee and Barnes (2022) emphasized the need for robust pharmacovigilance systems to ensure patient safety [43]. Future research will likely focus on further integrating TCM with conventional medicine, standardizing herbal products, and conducting rigorous clinical trials to validate their efficacy and safety.
41. Awoyemi OO,
